Whether you are setting up a business to create custom signs or want to make them in-house, you will need a plotter cutter with the right blade in place.
Once you find the right plotter cutter type, you need to select a blade. Not all blades will work on all types of vinyl, which is why it is essential to take some time to make sure you are getting the right one.
We have put together this simple guide to help you understand what to consider when looking for blades along with information on each type of blade that is available.
Keep reading to learn more about how to pick the perfect plotter blade for your promotion project.
Things to Consider
Before we get into details about what blades are available, you need to first consider the vinyl film you will be using. If you match the wrong blade to film type, you may run into a couple of problems.
First and foremost, the blade may not be able to properly cut the film. It can lead to wasting materials if the vinyl cannot be salvaged. You may also waste company time if you then have to re-make the sign.
Another problem you may run into is ruining the blades themselves. Once again, you will find yourself wasting resources by having to replace blades more often than you would if you had the right one for the job.
Now, let’s go into more detail about the two things you need to consider about the vinyl before buying a plotter blade.
Film Thickness
The first thing to think about is the thickness of the film you are using. Vinyl typically ranges from 1 millimeter to 6 millimeters in thickness, with most falling somewhere in between.
A blade designed to cut 1-millimeter vinyl will not be able to cut through a piece that is 6 millimeters or above. For that reason, you have to ensure you have the right blade in place.
If, on the other hand, you use a blade that is too thick, you will end up cutting through the backing paper that the vinyl is attached to, which makes a big mess and will force you to start the project over.
Type of Film
The other thing to consider regarding films is the type of vinyl you are using. There are many types of vinyl to choose from. Signs being used outside, for example, will require a stronger type of vinyl to withstand weather compared to those used indoors.
Another example is reflective film. This type requires a certain blade angle no matter how thick it is.
Size of Cuts
Something else to look at when picking blades is the size of the letters or graphics you will be cutting. If you expect to do a lot of signs with letters under 1/2 inch in height, you will need a blade designed for letters of that size.
If you use a blade that is too big for small details, they could end up with ragged edges.
Blade Angles
There are three different types of plotter blades, each with a different cutting angle. Each is designed for a specific thickness range of films. Let’s take a closer look at each of them to see what they are capable of.
30 Degrees
A blade with a 30-degree angle is only capable of making shallow cuts. This blade can only handle film up to 2 millimeters in thickness.
However, it is also the only blade that can cut less than 2-millimeter films, so you will need it if you are planning on using these thin films.
This blade is also referred to as the detail blade because it is the one most commonly used to handle any letters or graphics that are smaller than 1/2 inch in height or width.
Most businesses will only need to have a couple of these on hand unless they do a lot of fine detail work.
45 Degrees
This blade can cut film that is 2 millimeters to 6 millimeters in thickness. Due to the fact that it offers a wider range and covers the more common sizes of vinyl, it is also one of the most popular blade sizes.
45-degree blades are also ideal for cutting nearly any letter or image above 1/2 inch.
If you are just starting out or only want to use one size of blade, then you will most likely want to get the 45-degree blade because of how flexible it is. This flexibility is why it is known as the standard blade.
60 Degrees
A 60-degree blade is able to cut through vinyl film that is 6 millimeters or above. This blade is needed for reflective film. If you are planning on using that type of film or making thicker vinyl signs, you will need this blade.
This blade is the second most common and one that many businesses keep in stock along with the 45-degree blades to ensure they are able to cut a wide variety of signs.
Which Is the Best Plotter Blade for Your Business?
You may have already guessed that not all blades are necessary for every business. For example, if you are only making one type of vinyl sign for your own company, you may only need one type of blade.
However, if you are starting a sign creation company, you will need to have a wider variety of options to meet the needs of all of your clients. After all, you do not want to lose a client because you do not have the right blade in stock.
More than likely you will want a good number of 45-degree blades in stock, some 60-degree blades, and a couple of 30-degree blades. This range will give you the best variety and ensure you always have enough on hand to replace blades that have dulled without being delayed.
Ready to Buy a Plotter Blade?
Now you know which blade you need to buy for your plotter. As you can see, having the right blade will help you perform the work as efficiently as possible and with minimal waste.
If you are ready to buy, check out our assortment of plotter blades. We have them available as individual blades and in packs so you can get as many as you need for your projects.
Simple Solutions International offers a full selection of plotter blades and plotter pens as well as a variety of useful tools for use in plotting and sign making such as plotter adapters, masking film, spray mask, and other sign making tools and accessories.